Method of and apparatus for testing and sorting metallic bodies.



J. A. SWITZER. HBTHODQF AND APPARATUS EOE TESTING AED SORTING METAlEL-IG BBDIES.

KPPLIOATIQH FILED FEB. 21,r907.

Patentezi N012,

.Swdzaerq r m/we ceamn fs,

IIFI

J. A. SWITZER. METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TESTING AND SORTIKG METALLIC BODIES.

- APPLIGATIOH I'ILBD FBB.21,1907. 939, 1 O9.

Patented N012, 1909.

4 SHEETS-SHEET A.

UNITED STATES.

PATENT our-Ion.

JOHN A. SWITZEB, 9F BHILAEELPHIL PENRSYLYM Specification of was 2mm.

1 Patented Nov; 2-, 1909.

Application fled' February 21, I907. Serial No. 358,815:

To. all whom it may Be it known that I, Jerm A. Swrrznn, a citizen of the United States, residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have invented. 5 certain Improvements in the Method, of and Apparatus for Testin' and Sorting Metallic Bodies, of which the. ollowing is a specification.

The object of this invention is to provide a novef method of and apparatus for testing steel axles,shaftin g, etc, for cavities, blowholes and like imperfections, as well as any injurious or objectionable variations in chemical composition and of separating from perfect specimens those found defective.

Various means for detecting detects in axles have been proposed but none so far as I am aware, have proven an effective test save the boring oithe axle, which method has. obvious disadvantages My proposed new-method stated in general terms, consists in the passage of an electric current longitudinally through the shafting or axle to be tested, which shaft or axle will if defective present abnormal resistances at oints where such defects 0ccur, with resu ing abnormal variations in rise of temperature oi the axle or shaft at such points and in all of potential of the electric current passing through 'saidaxle, and the detection of said abnormal difier ences in temperature or in fall of potential,

by suitable instruments-to indicate the presence of the defect. I

My method further involves the utilization of said differences of temperature or of fall of potential to effect the automatic separation of defective from perfect axles.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown a form of apparatus which I have devised as one means of putting my testing method into practice, and a description. of said apparatus will make clear my said new method. 7 v

In the drawings Figure I is a side elevation ofthe apparatus; Fig. 2 is a plan; Fig. 3 is a sectional view on the line 33, Fig. 1; Fig. i is a diagrammatic representation of one form of testing instruments and theirconnections; Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of alternative testing instruments andconnections; Fig. 6, is adiagrank maticrrepresentation of the preferred form and arrangement of instruments and'con nections for; carrying out my invention; Fig.

. 7 is.- adetail in section of the therme'pair used in my preferred former. apparatus shown. diagrammatically in: F" a; Fig, 8 is a detail of the bolometer use in. connection. with that form oi apparatus shown diagrammatically in Eig. 5; EigsgQ and 10 j are details of the contact blocks used in. com neetion with the alternative form of. ap

a thermo-pi'le hereinafter more particularly;

referred to, and Figs. are diagrammatie views; illustrating; various modifications of my invention.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and. 3, A- A. are two parallel rails, suitably spaced-apart and. supported in any desired manner, as, by; the supports a. These rails form a tracku j n and from the testing device. The salesman? be propelled along the tracks in any suitable manner and in the drawings I have shown the tracks arranged at an incline in order that the axles may roll down by the torceoi gravity. F

B is a section of-the railhingedat bto form a trap. Thistrap is normally. held in position in the. trackv by the latch b. and *when' so held the. axle passing from the age paratus will pass out oi the machine by way of that portion ofthe track marked a2 *When, however, the latch b is so operated to its position shown hy'the dotted lines in Fig. 1, and the axle will pass from the. ma; chine by way oi that part 015 the track marked a At a. in the lower section: of the trackv a? is pivoted a lever a which will be soactuto return to its normal position the trap. 3.:

The means which I have shown. for regn lating the passage of the axles-to be tested. through the apparatus are as follows: 0-',.@ and 0 are stops pivotally secured ontheimner side of the rail A, saidstopsbein'gadapt- 7 ed when in normal position. to holdthe-axles at desired points on the track, 0* is a sto having a similar purpose pivotally mount "however, upon upright members of the frame C to be hereafter morefully described. The stops 6, 0 a are held in vertical positionby: spirai spring a as shown, and the stop e is likewise held in its normal position bythe spiral spring 0% The four stops described. are adapted to be withdrawn item the pails time. Thisis aeconiplishedin the.

rates-shown in Fig. 6;Fig. 11 is a detail of 1:2 or 16- inclusive,

which the axles to be tested are carrie to i as to release the trap B, said trap is ated by the axle passing throughthe trap as or". the axles at predetermined. intervals? of no manner. The steps a, 0 e areheldintheh: v I

normal position by latchese', e 6 pivoted to lugs depending from the rail, and pivotally connected at their outer ends to a bar f. The latches are normally held in engagement with the stops 0, 0 0 by means of the spiral spring 0 t predetermined intervals of time, the fixed electro-magnet g is energized thereby attracting its armature which is secured to the latch e causing the disengagement of the three latches from their respective stops. The stop 0 is held in its normal position by the latch e* which is similarly operated by means of an electromagnet g energized at the same predetermined intervals as magnet g in a manner to be hereinafter described.

- As will be readily seen, the withdrawal of the various stops from the path of the axles will permit them to be carried by force of gravity out of the positions shown and immediately after such passage of the axles, the stops will be returned to their normal position by means of the springs previously described, the energization of the electro magnets g, g having meanwhile ceased. It

will thus be seen that the progression of the axles through the machine will be from stop to stop for thepurpose hereinafter described. The energization of the electromagnets 9 and 9 will be accomplished by current from a suitable source and controlled by suitable clockwork which closes and opens the circuit from said source of current at the predetermined intervals of time.

At the position held by the axles h, h, in Figs. 1 and 2, of the drawings, an electric current is passed longitudinally through said axles in the following manner: Copper blocks I are mounted upon one arm of a lever 2" by means of a ball and socket joint as shown in detail in Fig. 3, said copper blocks being connected'by means of a suitable conductor 2' to any convenient source of current and constituting terminals for engagement with the axles. The lever z" is pivoted at the point i to a support suitably secured to the rail, and at the inner end of the long arm of the said lever is link i to which is connected the armature of an electromagnet i which magnet will .be energized from any suitable sourceof current, at the moment the axles h and h have reached the positions shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Energization of the electromagnet i will cause the copper blocks I to be firmly pressed against the ends of the axles h, and 71., thus making contact for the passage of the current from the conductor 71 through the axle. After th completion of the test of the axle h, the energization of the electroma net i Will cease and the long arm of the ever i will be caused to return to its normal position by a spring secured in any desired manner thereby breaking the contact between the copper blocks 1 and the end of the axles.

And immediately thereafter the operation of the stops 0 and a will permit the forward movement of the axles along the track.

111 one form of apparatus I subject both axles h and h to the electric current testing the axle h and causing the axle. h to be heated as a preliminary step. It will, of course, be understood however that this pre liminary heating step is not essential. After the axle la. is tested it will pass along that part of the track marked a it perfect, but if defective it will pass through the trap B to that partof the track marked a At the same time the axle It will pass to the position formerly held by the axle h and the axle b will take the position of axle h and so on progressively through the machine.

I will now describe one form of apparatus for noting the presence or absence of defects in the axle, this being partially shown diagrammatically in Fig. l, inwhich j, 7" represent two thermo-pairs held in wooden blocks to be later described, in such a manner as to almost but not quite contact with the axle, being separated from said axle only by a thin sheet of mica, or other suitable insulating material. j, j are connected in multiple to a sensitive reflecting galvanometer K in such a manner that the antimony element of one thermopair and the bismuth element of the other thermo-pair are connected to the same terminal of the galvanometer while the hismuth of the first and the antimony element of the second thermo-pair are together connected to the other terminal of the galvanometer. By this arrangement if the rise in temperature of the two parts of the axle to which the thermo-pairs are respectively applied is the same, no deflection of the galvanometer will ensue, but if owing to the occurrence of a cavity in the axle at or near either of these points, or to some variation in its conductivity due to variations in its chemical composition which might beobjectionable or injurious, the heating of the axle at the two points is unequal, a deflec- The two thermo-pairs mirror of said galvanometer is illuminated by an arc lamp is or other suitable source of light. The reflected beam of light will fall in the position shown by the dotted line unless the galvanometer be deflected. If the galvanometer be deflected, said beam of light will fall upon either the thermo-pile k or is according to the direction of the deflection of the galvanometer. In either case, the heating efli'ect of this reflected ray upon either the thermoile k or 7: will generate a current of electricity. These thermo-piles are connected in parallel to the primary terminals 70* of a suitable sensitive relay is. The currentgenerated in either thermo-pile will then close the secondary circuit 70 of the relay thereby permitting the energizing of an electromagnet G. This electromagnet Gr is shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and constitutes the device for actuatin'gmthe latch I) previously described. It will readily understood that the energizing of the magnet Gr will cause the armature of the magnet forming part of the Patch 5 to line attracted with the consequent release of the trap B. When the current through the electro magnet Gr ceases the latch 32 will be returned to its normalposition by any suitable spring 6 and such current will cease when the theme-pairs are lifted away from the axle.

The diagrammatic repnesentationhere described shows the axle as being tested at only two points. The invention contemlates the simultaneous testing of the axle y the means new described throughout its 7 length by the employment of as many pairs of thermo-pairs as shall be found necessary to test the temperatures of all parts of said axle, it being understood that the twothermo-pairs constituting a pair must be applied to symmetrical parts of the axle if the axle be not of uniform diameter through- .out its length. Each pair of thermo-pairs will be connected to its own galvanometer and each galvanometer will he illuminated by a suitable source of light and in conjunction with it, a separate pair of thermo-pairs, and a separate relay as previously described will be utilized. All such relays will be con- I nected to the electromagnet G as described.

Instead of using thermocouples connected in pairs to a alvanometer as described I may if I so desire provide each thermo-pair with its own galvanometer as shown in Fig; 12. In such case there would be. a certain normal deflection of each galvanometer in case the axle be perfect, but in case of the occurrence of an imperfection at any point 'due either to variations in cross section or chemicai composition the galvanometer con.- nected to the thermo-pair applied to the axle at shch point would be abnormally deflected and the rest of the apparatus previously described would be so ositioned that only such an abnormal deflection of the galvanometer would set in motion the train 0i operations heretofore described for dropping the trap B.

Instead of using thermo-pairs in the manner' and for the purpose described I can if I desire make use of thermo-piles. One form of, thermo -pile suitable for such purpose I have illustrated in Fig. 11 in which I have shown the elements of the various couples comprising the thermo pile arranged radially about a portion of the surface of the axle or other body when the block containing the thermo-pile is in operative position. i

It is of course to be understood that I do not limit myself to the use oii any specific form of thermopair or thermo-pile nor to the use in such instruments, of any specific metelsas it is well knownthatvarious metals may be used as the elements of, the thermopairs.

Each thermo-pair is. mounted in a block Z, as shown in Fig. 7 said blocks being arranged to rest upon the axle It as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, during the testing of the axle. Theblcclgsl are mounted upon arms pivoted at Z on a horizontal rod 1 supported by rail. Atthe top of the frame is mounted a horizontal shaftlcarrying camelt the proper times the shaft Z is caused to rotate by means of a pulley 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, thereby causing the E to depress the ooter ends of the pivoted lever arms 2 and thereby causing the thermo-pair blocks Z to be elevated above and out of the way of the axle k. The puiley Z will be turned a half revolution and the blocks Z thereby raised just before the energizing of the magnet 9 causes the releaseef the stops 0; the pulley Z Will be turned another halfrevolution causing the blOCkSfZ to return to the testing position as soon as the axle h has reached the position. occupied in the figures by h.

The mode of operation of the apparatus thus described will be as follows: As shown in l, 2 and 3, the axle it has reached the position where it is to be tested, the axle h" the position, where a current is to be passed through it for the purpose of giving it a preliminary rise in temperature, and the axles if, k and h are in position to pass through the machine when the axles h, h are released. Theaxles having reached the positions shown, currents of electricity are caused to pass longitudinally through the axles h and h by means of the conductors i and 2' and the axles are'thereb heated. If the axle h isin any way defective by reason of the presence of a cavity, or-because of a more or less localized variation in its chemical composition the abnormal temperature of that part of the axle in which thecavity the thermo-pairs in juxtaposition with the defective-part of the axle thereby causing the closing oi the relay circuit ii and the energization of the releetromagnet G and the fall of the drops B. After the axle h has been subjected to the electric current for a suiticient time to cause it to be thonoughly mined, the pulley Zwill be revolved to elevate the blocks Z and at. the same time the circuit of the electromagnet 2' will be broken thereupon causing the copper blocks I to falh away from theends of the axles. immediately thereafter, the eleotrcmagnets g and 9 will be energized thereby causing the drop of the latches. o, 0 c and a with the conseqnenireleasing of the axles exists will cause a deflection of that galvanometer with which is connected that one of tested this period of time being predeter- 1 which will then travel forward in the appa- 1 the inverted U-frame Z mounted upon each consequent releasing of the latch Z and the ratus, and the axle h which has been tested will pass over or through the tra according to whether or not it is perfect or efective.

Before the axles h and k h and 11. shall have reached the positions just previously held by the axles h, h, h? and 71. respectively, the circuits of the electromagnets g and g will have been broken and the stops 0 c and 0 will have returned to their normal position as heretofore described. As soon as the fresh axles to be tested and heated have reached their respective positions, the electromagnets will be energized thus making immediate contact between the blocks I and the ends of the respective axles.

Referring now to Fig. 5 I have shown there a diagrammatic representation of an alternative testing method using instead of the thermo-pairs, a modified form of the instrument known as the bolometer. The diagram shows one pair of bolometer wires m and m which are' mounted in wooden blocks similar to those previously described for the mounting of the thermo-pai'rs. I have shown such a block in end view in Fig. 8 in which it will be seen that the bolometer wire is in the form of a semi-circle so mounted upon the inner surface of the block as to bev almost but not quite touching the axleupo'n which the block rests. The bolometer wires constitute two arms of a Wheatstone bridge, of which the other two arms consist of the standard resistance boxes 11. and n, the whole constituting a Wheatstone brid e of which the battery is shown at "m an the alvanometer at m In front of this ga vanometer, and similarly laced with respect to it are the source of ight, the thermo-piles and their apparatus previously described in connection with the use of the thermo-pairs, and the action of which is precisely the same as in the previous appanatus. These bolometer wires must be so placed with respect to the axle that they are in juxtaposition to symmetrical parts of the same. Any unequal heating of these two parts of the axle will cause an unbalancing of, the Wheatstone' bridge and thereby cause a deflection ,of the galvanometer according to the well-known principles of the Wheatstone bridge.

The diagram. represents but a single bolometer which will test the axle at but the two points in juxtaposition. The apparatus will consist, however, of as many similar 'bolometers as shall be necessary simultaneously to cover and test the entire axle, each bolometer being a part of a VVheatstone bridge. There can then be as many al.- vanometers as there are bolometers an as many pairs of thermo-piles .and as many relavs as there are galvanometers,-the relays all being connected through their secondary circuits to the electromagnets G reviously described. In using this method the axle "described for sorting the axles.

will be heated as in previous method. The

mechanism for moving the axles will be identically the same.

A slight variation of this bolometer method would consist of a simple circuit consisting of a battery, galvanometer and a strip of very fine wire similar to the bolometer wires heretofore described in which this wire is mounted in a block also as here- I tofore described and as illustrated in Fig.

13. The normal variation in the resistance of this fine wire due to a change in temperature and consequent variation in the current strength flowing through the circuit of which it forms a art will cause a certain deflection of the ga vanometer. An abnormal risein temperature will cause a different'deflection of the galvanometer and this difference of deflection I may utilize to set in motion the train of operations heretofore In the event of using this form of testing device as many such arrangements should be use as are necessary to cover the axle throughout its entire length. The abnormal defiection of .any one of the several galvanometers would result in the necessary train of operations to. separate defective axles from perfect ones.

In Fi 6 is represented diagrammatically,

the pre erred method of applying the test to the axles. In this method the 'rise in temperature which is occasioned bythe passage of the current through the axle is not utilized but the relative falls of potential through analogous portions of the length of the axle will test the axle in the manner now to be described.

Figs. 9, and 10 represent contact blocks which are shown in Fig. 6 as being in contact with the axle at the points 0, 0, 0 and 0, the distance from 0' to 0, being the same as that from 0 to 0 and the portion of the axle included between 0 and 0 being symmetrical with respect to the portion included between the points 0 and 0. The axle receiving current through the contact pieces atits ends as previously described,

there will be progressive fall of potential 115 feet then the resis ance of the portion 0 0 throughout its le gth. If the axle be perwill be the same as that of the portion 0 0, but if a cavity exists in the axle in either of these portions, or if there be such a variation of its chemical composition as mi ht, for example, be caused if the axle or -ot er body tested were made from that portion of an ingot containing a preponderance of. metalloids the respective resistances will not be equal. -Fall of potential from 0 to 0 and from 0 to 0" will in any case be proportional to this relative resistance and said falls of potential will determine the amount of current which will flow through the respective contacts, to the respective coils of see,

, be no deflection of the galvanometer. Ifthe falls of potential are unequal there will be a deflection of the alvanometer; and since the arrangements with respect to the galvanometer of the source of light and of the 'thermo-piles shown in the diagram are the same as previously described with reference to Fig. 4:, it will be seen without further elaboration that the action of the apparatus will be similar. The contact blocks shown in end elevation in 9 and in side elevation in Fig. 10, will consist of metal bloclis in which are set hardened steel wedge-shaped contact pieces p. These contact pieces or knives as they may be called being curved into the forms of sectors or circles; rest upon the axle, and the weight of the blocks is such as to insure thoroughly good contact being made. While the diagram represents but two pairs of, such contacts with the accompanying galvanometer, etc., it is understood that the instrument will utilize simultaneously as many such pairs of contact points, galvanometers, etc, as are necessary to test the axle throughout its entire length in the manner substantially described.

Instead of using contact pieces connected in pairs to a galvanometer as described, I may if I so; desire provideeaeh contact ele-' ment with its own galvanorneter 2 as shown in Fig 1 In such case there would he a certain normal deflection of each galvanometer in case the axle beperfect,but in case of the occurrence of an imperfection at any point,.either in cross section or in composition the galvanometer connected to the con: tact element applied to the axle at each point would be abnormally" deflected, and the rest of the apparatus previously describedwould: be se positioned that only such an abnormal deflection of tire galvanometer would set in motion the train 0% operations heretofore described for sorting the axles or other bodies 'It of course obvious that the resistance of the entire axle can be tested by comparison with a standard so as to ascertain the presence or' absence ofvariations in chemical composition or in cross section.

If desired aseries of selenium cells may be substituted for the thermo-piles 10 if, as shown in Fig. 15, the efiect of the reflected rays of light upon said cells being to modify a current flowing through them and to the rela I do not desire to limit the uses of my method and apparatus to the testing and sorting of axles or shafting, as it will be seen that they are applicable for use in con! nectionwith any conducting, body in internal defects in the nature of cavities; blow holes or crevices, as well as variations in chemical composition will materially vary the resistance presented'hy the variiousparts of said body to an electric currentpassing through it. If desired, an suitable conveying' mechanism can be use for carrying the articles to be tested to and, from positions between the contact blocks. In fact where the body is not adapted to roll upon tracks,

which S represents a carriage having flanged, wheels 8 operating on the tracks A. be body H to be tested is mounted on this can riage. Under these conditions the stops heretofore described as employed for arrest,-

7 ing the-rolling body tobe tested will. in this case simply arrest the carriage.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles and similar bodies, the combination of a source of current having terminals in electrical contact with the body to be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormal resist ance at any part of the body being tested, a sorting device for causing the separation of defective and perfect specimens of the bodies to be tested, and connections between the testing device and the sorting device, so arranged that said sorting device is actuated" by reason of the influence upon the testing device of abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested.

2. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles and similar bodies, the combination of a source of current having terminals in slice trical contact with the body to-be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormalv resist ance at any part of the body being tested, means for bringing said testing device into operative engagement with saiifhody, a sort ing device for causing the separation of defestive and perfeee specimens of thebodies to be tested, and connections between testing device and the sorting device so ar ranged that said sorting device is actuated by reason of the influence upon the testing 1 device of abnormal resistance at any part oi the body being tested.

3. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles and sim'ilarbodies, the combination of a source of current having terminals in electrical contact with the body to be tested, av testing device sensitive to abnormalresistance at any part of the body being tested, means for conveying the body to be tested to and from its position when in contact *with said terminals, a sorting device for causing the separation of defective and perfectspccimens of the bodies to be tested, and connections between the testin device and the sorting device so arrangedt at said sort ing device is actuated by reason of themconveying mechanism will be required.. Such a device is illustrated in Fig. 16, in

fluence upon the testingdevice of abnormal resistance of any part of the body being tested. v

4. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles and similar bodies, the combination of a source of current having terminals in electrical contact with the body to be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormal resistance at any part of the body to be tested, means for bringing said testing device into operative engagement with said body, means for conveying the body to be tested to and from its position when in contact with said terminals, a sorting device for causingthe separation of defective and perfect specimens of the bodies to be tested, and connections between the testing device and the sorting device so arranged that said sorting device is actuated by reason of the influence upon the testing device of abnormal resistance of any part of the body being tested.

5. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles and similar bodies the combination of'a source of current having terminals in electrical contact with the body to be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested, -means for regulating the passage of the body to be tested to and from its posit-ion in con-- tact with said terminals, a sorting device for causing the separation of defective and perfect specimens of the bodies tested, and connections between the testing device and the sorting device so arranged that said sorting device is actuated by reason of the influence upon the testing device by abnormal resistance of any part of the body being tested. I

6. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles and similar bodies the combination of a source of current having terminals in electrical contact with the body to be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormal resistance at an part of the body to be tested, means for ringing said testing device into operative engagement with said body, means for regulatingthe passage of said body to and from its position in contact with said terminals, a sorting device for causing the separation of defective and perfect specimens of the bodies tested, and connections between the testing device and the sorting device so arranged that said sorting device is actuated by reason of the influence upon the testing device of abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested.

7. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles and similar bodies, the combination .of a

source of current having terminals, means for making and breaking electrical contact between said terminals and the body to be tested, a testing devicesensitive to abnormal resistance at any part of the body being t e separationof defective and perfect specimens of the bodies to be tested, and connections be-' tween the testing device and the sorting device so arranged that said sorting device is actuated by reason of the influence upon the testing device of abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested.

8. In an apparatus forsorting steel axles and similar bodies, the combination of a source of current having terminals, electrically operated means for making and breaking electricalcontact between'said terminals and the body to be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormal resistance at any part of the body to be tested, a sorting device for causing the separation of defective and perfect specimens of thebodies to be tested, and connections between. the testing device and the sorting device so arranged that said sorting device is actuated by reason of the influence upon the testing device of abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested.

9. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles and similar bodies, the combination of a source of current, contact. blocks connected to said source, swinging arms carrying said blocks, means for causing movement of said arms to make and break contact between said blocks and the body to be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested, a sorting device for causing the separation of defective and perfect specimens of the bodies to be tested and connections between the testing device and the sorting device so arranged that said' sorting devlce is actuated by reason of the influence upon the testing device of abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested.

10. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles source of current, contact blocks connected to said source, swinging arms upon which .said contact blocks are pivotally mounted, means for causing movement of sald arms to make and break contact between said blocks and similar bodies, the combination of a v and the body to be tested, a-testing device sensitive to abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested, asorting device for causing the separation of defective and perfectspecimens of the body to be tested,

and connections between the testing device.

and the sorting device so arranged that said sorting device is actuated by reason of the influence upon the testing device of abnormal resistance at any part of the body bev ing tested.

11. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles and similar bodies, the combination of a source of current, contact blocks connected to said source, levers arranged to move -said blocks into and outof contact with'the body to be tested, an electromagnet actuating said levers, a testing device sensitive to abnormal resistance at any point of the body being so a switch normally looked in one mechanism for unlocking said switch and scarce vice so arranged that said sorting device is actuatedbx reason of the influence upon the' testing device of abnormal resist'aneeatany part of the body bein'g'tested.

12. In an apparatus forsorting steel axles and similar bodies the combination oi a source of current having terminals in e1ec-. 'tricaI contact with the body to be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormal raistance at any part of the body being 'tested,

an elecnicaiiy operated device for causing the separation of defective and and connections between the device mt theserting device so arranged that said device is 'actasted by reason of the influence upon the testing device of: abnormal resistance at any part of thebody being tested. 7

13: In an apparatus for sorting'steel axles 25 and similar bodies the combination of a source of current having terminals in electrical contact with the body to he tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested,

o a switch for determining direction of passageof the bodies tested from the apparatus, mechanism for controlling said switch, and connections between the testing device and the switch controlling;- nrechanism so ar 5 ranged that the last named mechanism is 4 actuated by reason of the influence upon the testing device of abnormal resistance at any part of, the body being tested,

it. Inan apparatus tor sorting steels axles and hodies, the combination of a as a switch normally locked in one EEGSit-Ill mechanism for unlocking switch and controiling its movement to a; second posh tion; and connections between the, device and the switch controlling device so so arranged that the last named device; isactnated by reason oi the infinenoe upon the testing device of abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested.

15. In an apparatus for sorting steel aides bodies, the of a source of current h ving terminals in electrical contact with t' 6 body to be tested, a testingdeviee sensitive to abnormal resistance at any part 01; the body being tested;

osition,

controlling its movement to a second posi= tion, means by the r tested body through the sw tc return said switeh'to its normak locked position, connections between the eating dci'vice and the switch controlling see arran ed that thel'ast namcd device is aotu ated I y reason oi the influence open the testing device of abnoriml resistanceiat any part. oi the body being tested.

16. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles e and siinilar bodies, the combination of a source of current having terminals in electrical contact with the body to he tested, tracks arranged to carry the axle through the apparatus a trap in one portion of the ;track, said trap being normally locked, it :heing adapted being uniockcr? to fail and cause an in the track niece u anism for unlocsing saith trap, and centres;

nnloehing' so arranged that the latter mechanism actuated by reason of e the infiaenee were device stats :norrnal resistance at any part of the body being testedn 17. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles iand similar the combinafi'on of a source of current having terminals in electrical contact with the body'to be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormaPresistance at any partof the body being tested, in-

clined; tracks permitting thereon passage of the bodies to be tested through the apparatus by the influenoefof the force of gravity, :1 sol-tin device for causing the separation of defective and perfect specimens of the bodies to be tested, and connections between the testing device and the sorting device so arranged thatsaid sorting device is actuated by reason of the influence upon the testing device of abnerrsal resistance at the body V j 7 1 En mapparat-irs for sertingsteeiasks and the "cosihination or a, serene of cnrrent havingtemnicals in electrics with the body to he tested, a. tressing device sensitive to resistsneer at as; par ner the body being tested, tracks thereon the oi the f bodies to he tested, through the apparatcs Emeans for i the paswe of said 1 hediesat preffetsrniine points, a vice for the separatioraei' defective and perfect specimens oithahodies to be testes and connections hetvveenthe testin device and the device so arranges that said'isorting is actuated by reasort oi the infisrenceapon the device of abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested. V I9. In an a aratus for sorting steel'axles and similar the combination oi a source of current having terminals in electrieaiicontaet with the Body ts be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormalresist ance at any eithe body being 1 means tor corrveyin gthe body to hetestedto e and from its in contact with said 1435! terminals, stops adapted to be interposed in and withdrawn from the path of said bodies, means for actuating sat-id stops at predetermined intervals, a sorting device for caussorting device is actuated by reason of the,

influence upon the testing device of abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested.

20. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles and similar bodies, the combination of a source of current having terminals in electrical contact with the body to be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormal resistance at any part of the body being tested, a sorting device for causing the separation of defective and perfect specimens of the bodies to be tested, an electric circuit operating said sorting device and being adapted to be closed by the effect of abnormal currents in said testing device.

21. In an apparatus for sorting steel axles and similar bodies the combination of a trical contact with the body to be tested, a testing device sensitive to abnormal resistance at any part of the body being, tested, a sortingdevice for causing the separation of defective and perfect specimens of the bodies current is controlled by the efiect of heat upon elements in the circuit, a second circuit for controlling said sorting device and itself controlled by said first circuit, with means actuated by the abnormal action of the testing device for applying heat to the elements of said first circuit. v

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN A. SWITZER.

Witnesses:

CHARLES H. HOWSON,

J 0s. H. KLEIN.

source of current having terminals in elec to be tested, an electric circuit in which the 

